Today we’d like to introduce you to Kourtney Stevenson-Samuel.
Hi Kourtney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Like most bakers and chefs, I started taking an interest as a kid. I always loved eating baked goods and cooking. My aunt, Nora inspired me. She was the baker of the family. I loved going to my aunt’s house because there I knew it would always be fresh cake or a dessert on the table.
I was so intrigued with how the simplest ingredients turned into something so delicious and beautiful. I also loved to watch Julia Childs on PBS after fighting with my siblings for the remote.
My first real job was in grocery retail here in Columbia. I worked for Winn Dixie/Bilo in the bakery for over 10 years combined. I became a mother to a beautiful baby girl in March 2001. That’s when my focused changed. I had new priorities.
My passion for baking was set aside. I wasn’t creating anything anymore; I was fueling someone else’s dream by working on a regular job.
In 2012, I started working in corporate America for a large telecommunications company for a little over 5 years. We would have work parties and I would bring desserts for my coworkers to try. They were intrigued started making special request. This is where I started baking again. It allowed me to practice and test my skills. It became very therapeutic because my everyday job became stressful. I really enjoyed serving others, seeing their smiles, and hearing how awesome my desserts were. I began baking part-time as a hobby then it got real once, I saw how it could all come to fruition.
Although I suffered with some anxiety, I really did like my job. So, I pursued a managerial role with my job after years of service and dedication. I was always at the top of sales and retention. Nonetheless, I got rejected.
So, in May 2017, I decided to leave a position that promised opportunity but declined my growth. I left nervous but determined. It motivated me to pursue baking full-time and later finding my niche, a cake artist. I wanted to do what I loved which was CREATE. I now turn ideas into visual beauty.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I had to build clientele. I had to prove I was worthy of my clients investing in me and my services. I have to be consistent, practice and correct any complaints to retain my customers.
I now have to be all the professional roles of a regular job. I am the owner, the manager, Human Resources, marketing, the janitor, the photographer, and all other roles to help a business run.
When you’re an entrepreneur, you will be sleep-deprived. Not only have I been filling all those roles but also worried about competition, sales, and whether or not I made the right decision to work for myself. It can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional cake artist serving Columbia, SC and surrounding areas. I design modern wedding cakes, custom occasion cakes, as well as treats/desserts for events and parties.
I’m known for my intricate styles of cake. I have created cakes for over 200 companies and families here in the Midlands alone. I have also designed cakes for locally born but nationally known hip-hop music artist such as Renni Rucci and BLACC Zac.
I am most proud of my growth over the years. My determination has keep my clients happy and returning. It has also helped me stay humble and focus on what’s best for the business and my success.
Me being genuine has set me aside from others. I actually treat my clients like family. I make sure they’re taking care of. I always give them more than expected. That’s not only in edible form.
My cakes not only look good but taste good as well. I thrive on that one statement.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Yes, I am a risk taker. I decided to leave my job of 5 years while making great money…to follow my gut. I wanted to prove to not only myself but also everyone who ever doubted me that I could succeed. Not to mention, I have a child, a spouse, a house, a car, and bills to take care of. I had to make this work, for me it was NO going back.
I believe risk are a part of life. We all take risk every day. It’s no way around it. Some of us choose to go the extra mile and take major risk that will change our lives for the better. Yes, we may fail a couple times but we don’t let fear and doubt win. We have a dream, that becomes a goal, then the risk factor plays into you being successful from doing the work. Whether we choose to give up or choose to keep going… It’s a risk!!!
Contact Info:
- Email: KarolinaSweetTreats@gmail.com
- Website: www.KarolinaSweetPastries.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Karolina_Sweet_Pastries
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KarolinaSweetPastries
- Other: http://linktr.ee/KarolinaSweetPastries
